Woodworm beetles are one of the most destructive wood pests there is. They can be a huge problem for wooden properties.
If you are a property owner, a woodworm beetle infestation can also degrade the value of your property and deny you a better price when selling it.
They are a common problem within the UK, with the insect becoming more common over the last few years.
Woodworm will tunnel into any wood that is left untreated, but in the colder periods of the year, woodworm will often become dormant as a result of the temperatures dropping.
So, what time of year do woodworm beetles emerge? Woodworm typically emerges between April and September which is known as woodworm season.
Read on to find out everything you need to know about woodworm and when they are most active.
What Time Of Year Should You Treat Woodworm?
If you have an active Common Furniture Beetle (Anobium punctatum) infestation, when asking what time of year it is best to treat woodworm, then the answer is that this is best treated in the spring or summer when the adult beetles are active.
This is because if treatment is carried out during winter when it is colder and damper, then there may not be enough moisture for the insecticide to work. In addition, if it rains heavily after treatment has been carried out, this could reduce the product’s effectiveness by washing it away.
Conversely, Death Watch Beetle (Xestobium rufuvillosum) and House Longhorn Beetle (Hylotrupes bajulus) larvae are active all year round and can be treated at any time of year.
The exact treatment and timing will depend on the type of infestation you have, so you should always call in a surveyor to diagnose the problem and recommend a course of action.
Although you may choose to deal with woodworm infestations throughout the year, the warmer weather does provide more conducive conditions for treatment – meaning that certain products will work faster and more effectively.
So if you do have an infestation that needs treating immediately, do try not to delay!
I like to use this spray woodworm treatment, the application is easy and can be used all year round.
Is Woodworm Dormant In Winter?
Woodworm beetles are most active during the summer months, but they can still be a problem during the winter. This is because the colder temperatures will make many of them become dormant, which means they will be less active.
Are Woodworm Active in Winter?
Certain type of woodworm can be active in winter. The activity level at various times of the year will depend on the type of woodworm beetle you have. For example, the Common Furniture Beetle is more active during the summer, whereas the Death Watch Beetle is active all year round. It will not be dormant in winter.
It is important to know that even if the woodworm beetle is dormant, the larvae will still be active and will continue to tunnel into the wood. So, if you have an infestation, it is always best to get it treated as soon as possible.
Woodworm Lifecycle
The adult Woodworm beetle will fly into a source of timber so that it can lay eggs, which hatch into larvae – also known as ‘woodworm’.
The larvae tunnel their way into the timbers, where they feed on the starch in the timber, causing extensive damage over time. When they reach the end of their life cycle, they emerge as fully grown beetles to mate before dying within a few days or weeks.
Life Cycle of Woodworm Beetle
Most species of woodworm have a complete lifecycle of between one and five years, depending on species, the type of timber, and the ambient conditions. The life cycle of woodworm beetles consists of four distinct stages:
- Egg
- Larva
- Pupa
- Adult.
The larval stage can last from several months to several years.
During this time, they can wreak havoc on your property as they feast on timbers. Once they reach adulthood, they emerge from the timber through small holes and fly off, searching for a mate to continue the life cycle.
Most species are active throughout the year, but some will even begin their life cycle in winter!
By understanding this life cycle of woodworm beetle, we can see how important it is to treat infestations at the earliest opportunity to prevent the active larvae from causing any further damage.
How Do I Know If Woodworm Is Dormant?
If you want to know if woodworm is dormant, you need to check in the summer.
Here’s what to do:
- You need to assess the number of flight holes in the surface. If there are a lot, then it’s probably active. If there aren’t, then it’s probably dormant.
- You will also have to consider how long the infestation has been around. For example, if it’s been around for a few months, you’re going to have more flight holes than if it’s been around for a few years.
- Also, look at the condition of your house as well. Are there any signs of dampness? Is there any rot or mould?
Check all these things as they can signify that the woodworm has been active recently.
If you’ve checked all these things and still aren’t sure, you need to get an expert opinion from someone trained in woodworm removal.
Alternatively you can try DIY treatment which also works very well:
How Long Can Woodworm Stay Dormant
Generally, woodworm can stay dormant for 2 to 5 years. Surprisingly, some species like the Deathwatch beetle can remain dormant for up to 10 years. Dormancy occurs when larvae burrow into the wood to feed and develop, and can be influenced by environmental factors such as humidity, temperature, and wood moisture content.
Infestations may go unnoticed for extended periods, as the most visible signs of woodworm activity, like exit holes and frass, only appear when adult beetles emerge from the wood.
Regular inspection and prompt treatment of woodworm infestations are essential to prevent structural damage and preserve the integrity of wooden materials.
Is Woodworm Active All Year?
No, most woodworm is not active all year. The majority of woodworm beetles are only active during the summer months. However, some species of woodworm are active all year round, such as the Death Watch beetle.
It’s important to understand that even if the beetle is dormant, the larvae will still be active and will continue to tunnel into the wood and damage it.
So, if you have an infestation, it’s always best to get it treated as soon as possible.
What Conditions Encourage Woodworm Infestation?
The conditions that encourage woodworm infestation are:
A High Relative Humidity
This is the most important factor affecting woodworm infestation. The ideal relative humidity is between 13% and 18%. Above 30%, wood is more prone to attack by woodworm (and other wood-boring insects).
A good way of measuring the relative humidity in a building is by using a psychrometer.
Excessive Dampness And Poor Ventilation
These also favour woodworm infestation. Where these conditions exist, it may be necessary to repair the damp-proof course and remedy any other sources of dampness before any spraying or treatment for woodworm can be effective.
I like this indoor damp treatment:
What Are The Most Active Months For Woodworm Beetles?
The most active months for woodworm beetles are the summer months. However, there are some species of woodworm that are active all year round.
What’s Best Time to Treat Woodworm
The best time to treat woodworm is during the warmer months, typically between late spring and early autumn (May to September). This period coincides with the life cycle of the wood-boring beetles, which are most active during these months.
Treating woodworm during this time ensures that adult beetles emerging from the wood, as well as their larvae, are effectively targeted. Additionally, warmer temperatures help treatment products to penetrate the wood more effectively, increasing their efficacy.
By treating woodworm in the optimal season, you maximize the chances of successful eradication and protection against future infestations.
When Do Woodworm Emerge?
Woodworm beetles can be destructive pests, causing extensive damage to furniture and timber structures.
They emerge between April and September but you need to be vigilant in checking for signs of woodworm activity and get expert help if you suspect an infestation. Treatment is most effective when carried out early.
Knowing when woodworm is most active can help you to diagnose and treat an infestation more quickly. Also, be aware of the conditions that encourage woodworm activity so that you can take steps to prevent an infestation from happening in the first place.
